The Daily News. TUESDAY, JULY 16, 1918. THE ALBANIAN CAMPAIGN.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 July 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, JULY 16, 1918. THE ALBANIAN CAMPAIGN.

"What at first appeared to be a series of minor operations by the Italians and French in Albania is developing into an important offensive that bids fair to have far reaching results. In the first place it creates a diversion that should be felt on the Italian front: then there is a decided menace to the Bulgarians, but the main point is that by defeating Austria in Albania, as well as in Venetia and Istria, the Aus-tro-G-erman compact will, as one of the recent cables states, fall like a pack of cards. It is also significant that mention is made of an Allied drive from Salonika in which the Greeks will participate. Seemingly the time has arrived when circumstances favor this offensive which has already produced very satisfactory results. The Austrians admit having to withdraw their advanced posts in the Middle and Lower Vojusa. This river runs northwestward between Valona and Herat and crosses the path of the Italian advance north-westward across Albania, and as the report of the capture of Herat has been confirmed, an important initial success Iras been gained. There has been such a long period of inactivity by the Allies on this front that it is satisfactory to learn a combined move has been made. The occupation of Southern Albania commenced iu the summer of 1016 by the landing of Italian troops at Yaloaa, and "they effect-

eel a junction with the French, iu the region of Koritsa, last spring —a very creditable achievement. The military importance of this move centres on the fact that the open think of the army based on Salonika was effectively covered by the extension of the Allied line to the Adriatic, while the last loophole for intrigue between Germany and Greece was closed. Albanian sympathies were enlisted by a proclamation of independence both by the Italians and French. The Albanians have been encouraged to cultivate their lands, one result of which has been that the Allies, have secured their food supplies from the country in the rear, and the people have become more prosperous than ever before. Military roads have been made so that it is possible to proceed by motor from the secondary base at Santa Quaranta to Fiorina in two days. There is good reason for assuming that this offensive took the Austrian.? by surprise, so much so that the forcing hack process resulted in something like a rout. The full force of the Allies does not yet appear to have been extended, but the success gained will doubtless be followed up by more extended operations. Even supposing the time is not yet fully ripe for a general offensive, a series of well planned operations would greatly improve the Allies' position in preparation for an advance on a large scale next summer, By pushing the offensive now as far as possible towards the banks of the Black Drin, north-west of Lake Ochrida and'making serviceable roads, a good jumping-off place would be secured for next year. It is evident that a great political and military effect has already been produced, as the result of" which nil the oppressed Austrian nationalities are anxious to Join up with the Allies. Though, probably, no great advantage will be secured by this means, it is indicative of the impression of success that is being created by the operations. So far, there has been nothing t 0 mar the series of gains, and further developments will be awaited with keen interest, as the results of the offensive bid fair to have a most important effect on the war.